Open Water Swimming

Train, challenge yourself or try something new. Our open water swimming sessions are suitable for experienced swimmers and offer a safe, supported environment to improve fitness, endurance and confidence outdoors.

Open water swimming is available during designated session times only. Sessions are 1 hour:

  • Tuesdays: 5pm to 8pm
  • Thursdays 5pm to 8pm
  • Sunday 9am to 12noon

Please note that participants must be confident and competent swimmers. For safety reasons, reservoir access is not permitted outside of these official sessions.

1 hour sessions:

£10.50 
£8 for Manchester residents

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Before you visit

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Our sessions are for confident swimmers. Before visiting, please review Swim England’s open water safety advice.

We offer safe, well‑managed open water swimming with sessions fully supervised by our qualified safety team.

Changing facilities are available. Lockers and showers are also available.

For safety, all swimmers MUST use a tow float and wear a bright swim hat.

Do I need to complete an induction

No, swimmers must be competent. Before swimming you are required to complete and have agreed to our online waiver and terms and conditions at the time of booking.  

Do I need to book in advance

Yes, it is essential for bookings to be made online or via the Better UK app. 

How long can I swim for

We need to ensure a fair allocation of time for each swimmer so all sessions will be limited to one hour. The one hour slot will include the allowance for safe arrival, 50 minutes in the water and leaving the premises. As the water and air temperature drops swimmers should stay in for a shorter time - speak to staff on maximum swimming time during the winter.

How many sessions can I book at day

Each customer is allowed one swim booking per day. Multiple bookings can be made during the week, as long as they are not on the same day.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit or tow float?

Wetsuits are not compulsory when swimming at Debdale however we strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit once the water temperature drops below 14 degrees.

Swimmers MUST use a tow float even with a wetsuit.

 

Do the sessions still go ahead when it rains?

Yes, sessions still go ahead during the rain - you are going to get wet anyway! Sessions will only be cancelled in cases of dangerous environmental conditions (i.e. lightning storms, snow, serious fog) where swimmers are less visible to our safety team.

Is there anywhere to change and leave my belongings?

We have changing rooms and lockers available.